Bahia Marsh (Topaz Dr & Bolero Ct)  Walk down to the water’s edge to paint

Directions:  Exit North 101 at Atherton Ave, Exit 463, turn right onto Atherton Ave, drive 1.0 miles. Turn left onto Bugeia Ln, drive .4 miles, Bugeia Ln turns slightly right and becomes Bahia,    Dr, drive .9 miles. Turn right onto Topaz Dr, drive .7 miles. Turn left onto Bolero Ct, drive to end to park, .2 miles

Take 101 North to Ignacio in Novato, turn right onto Mel Marin Keys Blvd, continue past Pacheco Pond on your right, pas the meditation center and past the Bel Marin Keys gate posts, continue past Bermuda Harbor Street and turn right on Caribe Street on your right and drive to the end. There is a park bench area which overlooks the water and some of the house in Bel Marin Keys.

This nature preserve is just between the Industrial/commercial section f Bel Marin Keys Blvd and the housing of the area. It’s a large draw for many birds including swans! I’ve counted 8 of them one time and others have claimed up to as many as 13 though I wonder if some egrets were counted. The Pond backs up to the Hamilton section of the Bay trail. Take US 101 north to Bel Marin Keys exit, turn right onto Bel Marin Keys Blvd, continue 1.1 mile, Pacheco Pond is on your right, turn into the small parking lot on your right.

From Hwy 101 in Novato, take exit 463 for San Marin Dr west 2.9 miles. Turn right onto Novato Blvd and follow for 2.6 miles. The park is on the left. While there is a $5 fee per car, find the picnic tables at Stafford Lake and enjoy this new sketching site. Stay together at one site or there may be an additional fee.